When Raymond asked Valentina what car she liked, she couldn't help but smile. It wasn't just the question—it was the way he asked it, the softness in his voice, the way he made her feel like she was the most important person in the world.
She had felt down not long ago, humiliated by Maria and Chloe, belittled by their words, and made to feel as if she didn't belong. Even Liam's presence had been suffocating, his judgmental gaze weighing on her like a silent condemnation.
But then, there was Raymond.
He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to lift her back up. With just a few words, he erased the negativity around her, replacing it with warmth and reassurance. It was like he understood her more than she even understood herself.
At that moment Raymond tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a teasing smile.
"So, are you telling me you don't have a preferred car in mind?" His voice was playful, laced with amusement as he looked at her expectantly.
